Advocacy Information
IAHPERD Advocacy Committee
The IAHPERD Advocacy Committee works in consultation with the IAHPERD Executive Committee in coordinating advocacy efforts for state physical and health educators as well as recreation and dance professional. The committee is composed of practitioners who work in schools and community based organizations as well as the associated university faculty and students.
More specifically, the Advocacy Committee is a standing committee of Indiana AHPERD. Members are appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. The committee consists of six (6) Association members. The chair serves as an ex officio (nonvoting) member of the Board of Directors. The term of office is three years from the state conference. Each year the terms of two committee members shall expire. Committee members may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The duties and responsibilities of Advocacy Committee members are to:
- Convene the committee at the annual IAHPERD Leadership Conference to develop advocacy plans for the year.
- Support key advocacy initiatives and public relations efforts in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, and dance at the state level.
- Be aware of legislative affairs that impact health, physical education, recreation, and dance.
- Cooperate with Association members in the planning and conduct of a Legislative Summit at the State House in Indianapolis.
- Work with the Fitness Vice President to plan fitness activity day in the state.
- Make recommendations to the President-Elect for new committee members.
- Submit an annual report of committee activity to the Secretary by September 1.
Current Leadership
The current members of the IAHPERD Advocacy Committee include:
- K. Andrew Richards (chair) – Purdue University
- Audrey Satterblom – Indianapolis Public Schools
- Heidi Hancher-Rauch – University of Indianapolis
- Elise Studer-Smith – Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools
- Kim Duchane – Manchester College
IAHPERD’s Executive Committee is also significantly involved in state advocacy efforts. Currently these individuals include:
- Lisa Angermeier (President) – IUPUI
- Mark Urtel (Past-President) – IUPUI
- Keith Buetow (President-Elect) – Martinsville High School
- Elise Studer-Smith (Secretary) – Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools
- Karen Hatch (Executive Director) – Marion, IN
Call to Serve
There are many opportunities to serve IAHPERD through the advocacy committee. With our allied professions facing continued cutbacks, it is important that our voices be heard. Service opportunities vary widely in the amount of time and commitment required and anyone interested in serving is encouraged to contact K. Andrew Richards (
karichar@purdue.edu ) for additional information.
Advocacy Requests
IAHPERD is committed to assisting health, physical education, recreation, and dance professionals who are in need of advocacy support. In addition to the resources listed on his webpage, the advocacy committee is available to allied professionals who require situation specific resources. Depending on the nature of the situation, committee members may also be able to meet with individuals in order to organize advocacy plans and materials and present in to teachers groups, boards of education, and school administrators. Individuals seeking advocacy assistance should contact K. Andrew Richards (
karichar@purdue.edu ) for additional information. Please be sure to provide a brief overview of the situation in the initial email as well as preferred contact information.
Advocacy Resources
In addition to the advocacy resources available through IAHPERD, a great deal of information is available on the AAHPERD website:
- Not a member of AAHPERD? Join Now!
- Let’s Move in Schools – AAHPERD’s campaign to tie into Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative.
- AAHPERD Legislative Action Center – A regularly updated clearinghouse for advocacy information and resources. Includes links to connect users with legislators in order to support current legislative initiatives
- NASPE’s Advocacy Toolkit – NASPE’s site for advocacy and government relations. Includes links to position statements, press releases, and state and federal statistics
- Physical Education for Progress (PEP) Grant Program – A federal level grant program for physical education
- Policy Asks – AAHPERD’s top federal policy initiatives
- Physical Education as an Academic Subject – NASPE’s position paper on physical education as an academic subject
- Physical Activity and the Brain – NASPE’s paper linking physical activity with increased brain function
- State Obesity Trends – View obesity trends, government funding levels, and statistics on physical education
- 2010 NASPE Shape of the Nation Report – NASPE’s 2010 report providing a current picture of physical education in the American education system
- CDC Healthy Youth – Link to the CDC’s website for adolescent and school health
Advocacy Grants
IAHPERD is planning to release another call for advocacy grants for the 2011-2012 school year. Please check the website periodically for additional information and updates.
IAHPERD Legislative Action Day
IAHPERD is planning to hold a legislative action day in the near future. Please continue to check the website for updates as information becomes available
n in the American education system
CDC Healthy Youth – Link to the CDC’s website for adolescent and school health
Advocacy Grants
IAHPERD is planning to release another call for advocacy grants for the 2011-2012 school year. Please check the website periodically for additional information and updates.
IAHPERD Legislative Action Day
IAHPERD is planning to hold a legislative action day in the near future. Please continue to check the website for updates as information becomes available